Nose Breathing
Why is it so important?
Our nose has a vital role in filtering and humidifying the air we breathe. This is important not only for protecting our lungs, but also for many functions related to our overall wellbeing.
- What are some of the causes of mouth breathing? Common causes include allergies, enlarged adenoids, enlarged tonsils, forward tongue posture, and weakness or low muscle tone of facial muscles, which may lead to an open mouth rest posturel How can mouth breathing affect dentition? Chronic open
mouth posture can lead to a more forward tongue posture, - How can mouth breathing affect dentition? Chronic open mouth posture can lead to a more forward tongue posture, which can alter the positioning of the teeth and jawl. Children identified as mouth-breathers are more likely to have a posterior cross-bite, anterior open bite and class II
malocclusion. - How can mouth breathing affect overall wellbeing? Mouth breathing can lead to difficulties with digestion, speech, sleep, appetite, attention, immune function and body posture.
- Who can assist children who have are unable to breathe through their nose? Speech pathologists trained in orofacial myology work in conjunction with ENT’s to investigate surgical or behavioural solutions for enabling nose breathing. This may involve creating more space in the pharynx for nasal airflow or tongue thrust therapy to enable lip and jaw closure.
Orofacial myology and breathing
Often it can be very effortful for a child to maintain lip closure and breath through their nose, especially when their tongue is accustomed to residing beyond the lingual margins. Orofacial myology involves strengthening the facial muscles so that this closed mouth posture is not so difficult.
Strengthening the muscles in the face is just like strengthening any other muscle it takes consistent group;
practice, just like going to the gym.
Box Hill Speech Pathology
662 Elgar Road
Box Hill North VIC 3129
Ph: 03 9899 5494
Email: enquiries@speech-therapy.com.au
